No Panic! Skeltons Strike For Paddy Power Gold Cup Splendor

Anxiety attack proved the current example of Dan Skelton's excellence when targeting a huge reward as she escaped from her competitors up the Cheltenham hill to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup.


Off the track for 280 days, the nine-year-old was the choice of Harry Skelton from three stated runners for the steady, with Hoe Joly Smoke staying-on for third and Riskintheground eventually a non-runner.


Rounding the bend on the a little reconfigured track, in 2015's winner Il Ridoto remained on the within with Vincenzo, while a host of others, including Panic Attack, tried to find fresher ground out large.


Panic Attack wins the Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase What a huge that is for the Skeltons! #ITVRacing|@DSkeltonRacing|@harryskelton89 pic.twitter.com/qxwyh6I5xJ


- ITV Racing (@itvracing) November 15, 2025


This year's race was run in memory of Edward O'Grady, the last Irish trainer to win the race, with Tranquil Sea back in 2009, and Paul Nolan's Conyers Hill briefly looked like playing a significant role in the surface for Ireland before flattening out up the hill.


Skelton asked for a huge leap from Anxiety attack at the last and while she picked up there just partially in front, the 6-1 shot eventually pulled four lengths clear of 100-30 favourite Vincenzo who stuck on for 2nd ahead of Hoe Joly Smoke and Conyers Hill for small honours.


"When she could not make the Plate in 2015 I believed this would be the race for her and then I was umming and ahhing over whether we got a prep run into her and I'm happy we didn't in the end," stated the trainer.


"My eye was in fact drawn to Hoe Joly Smoke kipping down since he was getting a dream run before missing the last, however Panic Attack was definitely dazzling.


Jockey Harry Skelton and fitness instructor Dan Skelton after Anxiety Attack ´ s victory (David Davies/PA)


"We had to ride her in there a bit today so it was a bit new to her, however I'm chuffed to bits and Harry provided her a terrific ride.


"The team have done an astounding task to get her all set. We didn't have a run entering this which left me nervous, however I knew there was a bit left in her mark.


"I've got her late in her profession but she's a dazzling mare.


"We've been 2nd in this race a number of times and I've never ever left a racecourse more disappointed than when Spiritofthegames got beat as his owner was one of our most significant advocates."


Harry Skelton in joyous mood (David Davies/PA)


On future strategies, he added: "She will not come back in December and I've a number of ideas.


"I believe she is probably to go to Doncaster for the mares' chase over Christmas and then if all goes to prepare returned here for the mares' chase in the spring."


Panic Attack's success indicated the return of Harry Skelton's 'aeroplane' event on a weekend that might supply double pleasure, with wife Bridget at home anticipating the couple's second kid.


"Bridget is due today and I do not know what is happening. I hope everything is OK and possibly that has put her into labour who understands, ideally they are all great," the jockey stated.


"Everyone has actually been groaning to me and asking where the event has been so I thought I best give them something."